Why go to Budapest? The 10 good reasons to go Budapest

Don't be surprised, here most administrations, institutions and small shops close earlier on Friday and Saturday afternoons - in addition to Sunday afternoons - with the exception of Váci Street. Shopping centres are open on Sundays and some supermarkets. On weekdays and Saturdays, they remain open until 20/21h (or more) during the week. Museums and sites are very rarely open at night beyond 5 or 6 pm and they close on most public holidays.

It is rare to queue up to buy a ticket for museums in Budapest, except for the popular exhibitions at the National Gallery and even the Museum of Fine Arts, where it is advisable to book online. On the other hand, the guided tour of the Parliament (mandatory) must be booked several days in advance.

Visiting Budapest won't break the bank, even if entrance fees have risen considerably in recent years. Most museums are permanently free for children under 6 and over 70. Those under 26 and/or students presenting an ISIC student card are entitled to a reduced rate, and admission is free on the third Saturday of the month at the National Gallery (among others). Over 62s and children under 14 are also entitled to the reduced rate. Family" tickets are available for two parents and two children. The Budapest Card from the tourist office is a good option if you're planning several cultural visits (reduced entrance fees) as well as free public transport. On national holidays (March 15, August 20, October 23), admission to museums is often free.

Four major municipal festivals punctuate the city's cultural life, in which the capital's most prestigious concert halls participate: the Spring Festival, the Summer Festival, Café Budapest in the fall and the Christmas Market, which has become a real attraction (although it is a bit expensive, you can still find beautiful handicrafts). The Sziget Festival is a must for those who like open-air concerts. The national holiday of August 20 is very popular, the celebrations of March 15 or October 23 are rather political and often give place to demonstrations (for or against the government). There are many concerts during the end of the year celebrations.

The services of a guide are not too much to take in the subtleties of Budapest's history! On foot, by bike, by car... there are several passionate French-speaking guides who offer their services. Many English-speaking guided tours operate on a tip basis, such as the Budapest Free Walking Tours (www.triptobudapest.hu). Several bike rental companies like IbikeBudapest (ibikebudapest.com) or Bike and Relax (www.bike-and-relax.com) offer guided bike tours. A guided tour for 15-20 € can often be arranged if requested in advance in English or French in museums.

As far as visits are concerned, there are few tourist attractions. It is up to each person to judge the usefulness of the "hop on hop off" tourist buses that criss-cross the city center, clog up the bike paths and pollute the atmosphere. Also avoid using ATMs in the street (which are not attached to banks): their conversion rate to forint is not very advantageous and they sometimes ask for supplements in case of withdrawal.