The Budapest home of Liszt is surprisingly modest with only two rooms, one of them serving as bedroom and study at the same time but it's nevertheless full of treasures. The Budapest home of the one and only Hungarian composer universally renowned as one of the greatests of the 19th century was on the elegant Andrássy avenue. His home is a museum now and it's a remarkably valuable collection of objects: personal items and amazing instruments of music. My favourite piece is a music composing desk with a built-in three-octave piano keyboard, specially designed for Liszt in the 1870's. I also love the ornate music stand that Liszt received as a gift in 1858 and thanked it by saying: "I wish to produce soon some works worthy of being offered as an homage to the three patrons of music: Beethoven, Weber and Schubert" - whose busts decorate the wonderful piece. Although Liszt only welcomed visitors in his home on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons, the museum is open to visitors every day except Sundays. Ferenc Liszt Memorial Museum BudapestFerenc Liszt Memorial Museum BudapestFerenc Liszt Memorial Museum BudapestFerenc Liszt Memorial Museum Budapest
The Budapest home of Liszt is surprisingly modest with only two rooms, one of them serving as bedroom and study at the same time but it’s nevertheless full of treasures. The Budapest home of the one and only Hungarian composer universally renowned as one of the greatests of the 19th century was on the elegant Andrássy avenue.
His home is a museum now and it’s a remarkably valuable collection of objects: personal items and amazing instruments of music. My favourite piece is a music composing desk with a built-in three-octave piano keyboard, specially designed for Liszt in the 1870’s. I also love the ornate music stand that Liszt received as a gift in 1858 and thanked it by saying: “I wish to produce soon some works worthy of being offered as an homage to the three patrons of music: Beethoven, Weber and Schubert” – whose busts decorate the wonderful piece.
Although Liszt only welcomed visitors in his home on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons, the museum is open to visitors every day except Sundays.
I'm aware that some of you were planning to visit Budapest in November and December and decided to cancel or postpone your visit, although it's hard to see what we can expect the next weeks and months and the government's actions are also hard to anticipate. Yes, we've been experiencing the resurgence of the COVID-19 virus since the middle of August after successfully slowing the outbreaks earlier in the year. The last time I shared information about the numbers was in June, four months ago there were 3892 confirmed cases and 527 people died. As of today, there are 31480 confirmed cases (+ 700%) and 833 people died (+60%). Because of the limited testing capacities we are not sure about the accuracy of these numbers but they are worrying nevertheless. Because of the increasing numbers many countries around the world advise their nationals against all but essential international travel to Hungary. Lockdowns and other strict measures to protect public health were imposed quickly in spring and that led to record low number of registered cases and deaths. This is a very different situation now, as the government refuses to re-impose strict health measures and at the same time to offer financial help to businesses badly affected by COVID-19. A personal note: self employed tour guides can't expect any help from the government, financial or other. So, here are the rules: physical distancing of 1,5 meters is to be kept, face masks (medical or textile masks that cover the nose and mouth) are mandatory in shops, in taxis, on public transport and at public transport stations, in theatres, cinemas and shopping malls,restaurants, cafés and bars are to close at 11.00 PM. And here are the rules about entering Hungary (from the 1st of September until further notice): only Hungarian citizens and
I’m aware that some of you were planning to visit Budapest in November and December and decided to cancel or postpone your visit, although it’s hard to see what we can expect the next weeks and months and the government’s actions are also hard to anticipate.
Yes, we’ve been experiencing the resurgence of the COVID-19 virus since the middle of August after successfully slowing the outbreaks earlier in the year. The last time I shared information about the numbers was in June, four months ago there were 3892 confirmed cases and 527 people died. As of today, there are 31480 confirmed cases (+ 700%) and 833 people died (+60%). Because of the limited testing capacities we are not sure about the accuracy of these numbers but they are worrying nevertheless. Because of the increasing numbers many countries around the world advise their nationals against all but essential international travel to Hungary.
Lockdowns and other strict measures to protect public health were imposed quickly in spring and that led to record low number of registered cases and deaths. This is a very different situation now, as the government refuses to re-impose strict health measures and at the same time to offer financial help to businesses badly affected by COVID-19. A personal note: self employed tour guides can’t expect any help from the government, financial or other.
So, here are the rules:
physical distancing of 1,5 meters is to be kept,
face masks (medical or textile masks that cover the nose and mouth) are mandatory in shops, in taxis, on public transport and at public transport stations, in theatres, cinemas and shopping malls,
restaurants, cafés and bars are to close at 11.00 PM.
And here are the rules about entering Hungary (from the 1st of September until further notice):
only Hungarian citizens and foreign citizens who have a permanent Hungarian residence permit can enter Hungary in passenger traffic and they are subject to home quarantine for 10 days,
foreign citizens are not allowed to enter Hungary, (entry into Hungary from the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia is regulated separately), the exceptions:
foreign citizens who arrive to Hungary for international sports or cultural events can enter Hungary without restriction (they must have a negative PCR test result performed within 3 days prior to entry and an authentic ticket for the sports or cultural event),
foreign citizens studying in Hungary or participating in family events might be exempted from the prohibition,
foreign citizens who arrive to Hungary to perform some business or economic activity are also exempted from the prohibition.
So, if you’re coming to Budapest for either sports, cultural or business reasons, don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss the options of a 100% safe Social Distancing tour, believe me, Budapest is so beautiful, it’s safe and most of the sights and attractions are entirely deserted.
And, don’t forget about Virtual Tours, a great live, personal experience to visit Budapest from the comfort of your armchair and to support Budapest tourism.
As always, stay safe, stay healthy and stay happy!
Vác is a cute little town on the left bank of the Danube, it's some 25 minutes drive from Budapest. The visit of Vác can be included in a customised Danube Bend day trip. It's such a beautiful Baroque jewellery box, I strongly recommend a short visit. We had been fortunate to tour Vác with my travellers before the borders of Hungary got closed again on the 1st of September. The mummified remains of 265 people were found in 1994 in the crypt of the Dominican church, they had been laid to rest in hand painted, wooden coffins in the 18th and 19th centuries. The bodies didn't decompose but were mummified naturally because of the favourable air conditions and dry settings. The findings were extraordinary and not only because it's a veritable gold mine for ethnographers about 18th century Hungarian everyday life and funeral traditions. It's also a fantastic source for medical researches, a large number of tests have been performed by scientists on the mummified remains related to tuberculosis, HIV researches and they could also confirm C section had been performed as early as in the 18th century in Hungary. The coffins are simply beautiful, all colourful, all hand-painted, all prepared with a lot of care, it's very much like the fascinating celebration of life and death in a small Vác museum.
Vác is a cute little town on the left bank of the Danube, it’s some 25 minutes drive from Budapest. The visit of Vác can be included in a customised Danube Bend day trip. It’s such a beautiful Baroque jewellery box, I strongly recommend a short visit. We had been fortunate to tour Vác with my travellers before the borders of Hungary got closed again on the 1st of September.
The mummified remains of 265 people were found in 1994 in the crypt of the Dominican church, they had been laid to rest in hand painted, wooden coffins in the 18th and 19th centuries. The bodies didn’t decompose but were mummified naturally because of the favourable air conditions and dry settings.
The findings were extraordinary and not only because it’s a veritable gold mine for ethnographers about 18th century Hungarian everyday life and funeral traditions. It’s also a fantastic source for medical researches, a large number of tests have been performed by scientists on the mummified remains related to tuberculosis, HIV researches and they could also confirm C section had been performed as early as in the 18th century in Hungary.
The coffins are simply beautiful, all colourful, all hand-painted, all prepared with a lot of care, it’s very much like the fascinating celebration of life and death in a small Vác museum.
I'm a huge admirer of the Hungarian Art Nouveau movement and I'm more than proud to show travellers around the magnificent Budapest Art Nouveau buildings. For me, the home of György Ráth, first director of the Budapest Museum of Applied Arts is a veritable jewellery box, both the building and the artworks and furnitures on display are unique. The villa was originally Ráth's family home and was furnished with pieces of his private collection, today it houses the permanent exhibition "Art Nouveau – a Hungarian Perspective". Every room is different, the furnitures and pieces of art were selected and put on display with such a unique care and taste, it's like visiting an elderly family member where every single item is authentic and they all tell you a different story. When you visit the museum, don't forget to take a walk along Városligeti fasor, where you can admire fascinating Art Nouveau villa buildings.
I’m a huge admirer of the Hungarian Art Nouveau movement and I’m more than proud to show travellers around the magnificent Budapest Art Nouveau buildings. For me, the home of György Ráth, first director of the Budapest Museum of Applied Arts is a veritable jewellery box, both the building and the artworks and furnitures on display are unique.
The villa was originally Ráth’s family home and was furnished with pieces of his private collection, today it houses the permanent exhibition “Art Nouveau – a Hungarian Perspective”. Every room is different, the furnitures and pieces of art were selected and put on display with such a unique care and taste, it’s like visiting an elderly family member where every single item is authentic and they all tell you a different story.
When you visit the museum, don’t forget to take a walk along Városligeti fasor, where you can admire fascinating Art Nouveau villa buildings.
I've been neglecting these last few weeks that old passion of mine to collect the sounds of Budapest, recording local music all over the city. This is part 2 of the series, stay tuned for the rest of my Beautiful Budapest Symphony!
I’ve been neglecting these last few weeks that old passion of mine to collect the sounds of Budapest, recording local music all over the city. This is part 2 of the series, stay tuned for the rest of my Beautiful Budapest Symphony!
I’m starting a new series to introduce you the most famous statues of Budapest and some of the hidden gems, too. These are the beautiful monuments of Budapest we usually see on our walking or driving tours in Buda and Pest. The Matthias fountain is at the Royal Palace of the Buda Castle district. It shows our great Renaissance king Matthias on a hunt. It also tells a love story about the king who was a true friend of ladies, join my Buda Castle walk to learn more!
I’m starting a new series to introduce you the most famous statues of Budapest and some of the hidden gems, too. These are the beautiful monuments of Budapest we usually see on our walking or driving tours in Buda and Pest.
The Matthias fountain is at the Royal Palace of the Buda Castle district. It shows our great Renaissance king Matthias on a hunt. It also tells a love story about the king who was a true friend of ladies, join my Buda Castle walk to learn more!
I’m starting a new series to introduce you the most famous statues of Budapest and some of the hidden gems, too. These are the beautiful monuments of Budapest we usually see on our walking or driving tours in Buda and Pest. The Turul bird is one of the national symbols of Hungary, as it was a Hungarian falcon that had led our ancestors to the actual territories of Hungary in 896. The statue is at the upper station of the Buda Castle funicular.
I’m starting a new series to introduce you the most famous statues of Budapest and some of the hidden gems, too. These are the beautiful monuments of Budapest we usually see on our walking or driving tours in Buda and Pest.
The Turul bird is one of the national symbols of Hungary, as it was a Hungarian falcon that had led our ancestors to the actual territories of Hungary in 896. The statue is at the upper station of the Buda Castle funicular.
Most of the inquiries I'm getting these days are about information on how one can enter Hungary in light of the spreading of COVID-19. It seems to me that the general information available online is mostly in Hungarian and it's not exactly easy to understand for most of travellers. So, here are the latest news and latest rules for you. The government of Hungary has been applying a colour-based categorisation depending on how serious the spreading of the virus is in the country of origin since the 15th of July. The three colours are green, yellow and red and it determines the rules of entry to Hungary. In case of transfer passengers the country of origin is applicable. Travellers arriving from GREEN countries are: allowed to enter Hungary without restrictions, if they have symptoms of the infection within 14 days after entry, then they can't leave their actual residence, and must notify the epidemiological authority immediately. Travellers arriving from YELLOW countries: have to undergo medical examination upon entryif there is a suspicion of infection, the travellers are not allowed to enter Hungaryif no such suspicion arises, travellers are allowed to enter, but it is mandatory for them to go to home quarantine for 14 days. no quarantine is needed if travellers have 2 negative SARS COVID tests (in English or in Hungarian) that were taken consecutively within 48 hours of each other and up to 5 days prior to entering Hungary Travellers arriving from RED countries are not allowed to enter Hungary in passenger traffic. The good news is that the spreading of the virus in Hungary is still under control and we don't see sudden increase in the number of infections. As of today there are 4,465 registered cases and 596 people died. I'd say that it's still relatively safe to visit Budapest and visit Hungary, if you
Most of the inquiries I’m getting these days are about information on how one can enter Hungary in light of the spreading of COVID-19. It seems to me that the general information available online is mostly in Hungarian and it’s not exactly easy to understand for most of travellers.
So, here are the latest news and latest rules for you.
The government of Hungary has been applying a colour-based categorisation depending on how serious the spreading of the virus is in the country of origin since the 15th of July. The three colours are green, yellow and red and it determines the rules of entry to Hungary. In case of transfer passengers the country of origin is applicable.
Travellers arriving from GREEN countries are:
allowed to enter Hungary without restrictions,
if they have symptoms of the infection within 14 days after entry, then they can’t leave their actual residence, and must notify the epidemiological authority immediately.
Travellers arriving from YELLOW countries:
have to undergo medical examination upon entry
if there is a suspicion of infection, the travellers are not allowed to enter Hungary
if no such suspicion arises, travellers are allowed to enter, but it is mandatory for them to go to home quarantine for 14 days.
no quarantine is needed if travellers have 2 negative SARS COVID tests (in English or in Hungarian) that were taken consecutively within 48 hours of each other and up to 5 days prior to entering Hungary
Travellers arriving from RED countries are not allowed to enter Hungary in passenger traffic.
The good news is that the spreading of the virus in Hungary is still under control and we don’t see sudden increase in the number of infections. As of today there are 4,465 registered cases and 596 people died.
I'm posting a lot of pictures of Szentendre on my Instagram, this is such a lovely little town and is only a 30-minute drive from Budapest. It's a popular destination for both locals and visitors. I'm currently putting together an itinerary of a few tours for a traveller's request in September and got the idea to include a countryside tour in my Social Distancing tours. So, here it is, 100% safe and social distance friendly, a private driving tour to Szentendre. My Szentendre tour is a great combination of history, architecture and culture, the Baroque style little town that has inspired many generations of Hungarian painters and sculptors. The village has a really unique Mediterranean atmosphere and stunning Baroque architecture. Its charm is due to its colorful houses and cobblestoned streets. The town is full of art galleries, cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops. We’ll see beautiful Baroque architecture, small shops and the sweet Marzipan museum. You’ll have a magnificent view over the city from the top of the church hill and will witness 1000 years of history and culture. You’ll also have the option to taste some local treats or coffee and to do some souvenir shopping.
I’m posting a lot of pictures of Szentendre on my Instagram, this is such a lovely little town and is only a 30-minute drive from Budapest. It’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
I’m currently putting together an itinerary of a few tours for a traveller’s request in September and got the idea to include a countryside tour in my Social Distancing tours. So, here it is, 100% safe and social distance friendly, a private driving tour to Szentendre.
My Szentendre tour is a great combination of history, architecture and culture, the Baroque style little town that has inspired many generations of Hungarian painters and sculptors.
The village has a really unique Mediterranean atmosphere and stunning Baroque architecture. Its charm is due to its colorful houses and cobblestoned streets. The town is full of art galleries, cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops. We’ll see beautiful Baroque architecture, small shops and the sweet Marzipan museum. You’ll have a magnificent view over the city from the top of the church hill and will witness 1000 years of history and culture. You’ll also have the option to taste some local treats or coffee and to do some souvenir shopping.
This is a very personal note as I think it's time to say THANK YOU. It's hard for me to express my gratitude for everything I've been given these last four months. I truly appreciate the kind words, support, phone calls, virtual tours and cooking classes, donations and all the great advice I've gotten so far. Thank you for postponing the tours instead of cancelling them. Thank you for booking tours in 2021, my calendar is filling up fast and I'm very happy. This is actually giving me more trust and strength to continue and to give the very special Budapest experience to all my travellers. I know that for most of you travelling to Europe is not possible right now so I'm still offering virtual tours. Also, I'm certain that in the not very far future we'll meet in person, we'll shake hands and we'll walk together around my Beautiful Budapest.
This is a very personal note as I think it’s time to say THANK YOU. It’s hard for me to express my gratitude for everything I’ve been given these last four months.
I truly appreciate the kind words, support, phone calls, virtual tours and cooking classes, donations and all the great advice I’ve gotten so far. Thank you for postponing the tours instead of cancelling them. Thank you for booking tours in 2021, my calendar is filling up fast and I’m very happy. This is actually giving me more trust and strength to continue and to give the very special Budapest experience to all my travellers.
I know that for most of you travelling to Europe is not possible right now so I’m still offering virtual tours. Also, I’m certain that in the not very far future we’ll meet in person, we’ll shake hands and we’ll walk together around my Beautiful Budapest.
