Budapest is a beautiful city filled with history, culture and astonishing architecture. Situated along the Danube river, the city boasts a mix of medieval charm in Buda on one bank and a lively atmosphere in Pest on the other. Wander through historic streets, experience the city’s unique ruin bars and relax in the iconic thermal baths. With UNESCO World Heritage sites and a diverse culinary scene, Budapest offers a blend of old-world allure and modern excitement for an unforgettable trip.
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Budapest, Hungary
Buda's historic hills and landmarks on the west bank of the Danube complement Pest's modern vitality on the east, creating the dynamic and diverse charm of Budapest.
Top attractions:
Budapest:
1. Buda Castle District: Explore the historical heart of Budapest, home to Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, and Matthias Church. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this elevated spot on the west bank of the river.
2. Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Immerse yourself in Budapest's famous thermal spa culture at Széchenyi, the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Relax in the thermal pools or enjoy the stunning architecture.
3. Parliament Building: Admire the iconic Hungarian Parliament, a magnificent example of neo-Gothic architecture, situated along the Danube River. The evening illumination is particularly breath-taking.
4. Heroes' Square: Delve into Hungary's history at Heroes' Square, surrounded by statues of prominent national leaders. The square is a gateway to City Park, where you can find Vajdahunyad Castle and the Budapest Zoo.
5. Danube River Cruise: Experience Budapest from the water with a cruise along the Danube. Witness the city's landmarks, including the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle.
Nearby:
- Esztergom: Visit the historic town of Esztergom, home to the country's largest cathedral, Esztergom Basilica, and enjoy scenic views along the Danube Bend.
- Visegrád: Explore the medieval castle of Visegrád, offering panoramic views of the Danube. The town also hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
These attractions and nearby destinations provide a well-rounded experience of Budapest's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Recommendations from the experts - our Local Organising Committee
Dr. Olga Török, PhD, med.habil., is employed as an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Debrecen and the Head of the Division of Perinatology of the Department. After completion of her residency training in obstetrics and gynecology she also specialised in clinical genetics. She defended her PhD thesis on the evaluation of the effectiveness of genetic counselling and her habilitation thesis on prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic tests.
She has participated in several international postgraduate training courses and short-term study tours in different European countries. In 1996 she was awarded a one-year research fellowship program at the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York. She has published more than 80 papers in peer-reviewed journals and has been elected to be the Board Member of different Hungarian Scientific and Professional Societies. Her research interest recently has partially changed focusing also on the prevention of severe pregnancy pathologies.
Field: Obstetrics, Prenatal Diagnosis
Specialties: Prenatal diagnosis of fetal malformations and genetic diseases, first trimester screening of preeclampsia and anomalies of fetal growth
Languages: English, Russian
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Favourite attractions: Castle Hill, City Park (Varosliget), House of Music Hungary in City Park, Parliament
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Favourite restaurants:
Fine dining: Spago, Costes, Borkonyha
Simple restaurants: Bazaar, Dob Street (several small restaurants in it located in the city centre)
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Short trips nearby: Szentendre, Visegrad, Esztergom
Dr Balazs Erdodi is working as an assistant lecturer and ob/gyn specialist in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Debrecen, Hungray. He received his medical degree from University of Debrecen in 2009. His special interests are imaging technologies with special focus on adnexal masses and pelvic ultrasonography including the pelvic floor and DIE. His PhD is in progress in the field of ultrasonography of the adnexal lesions. His main research areas are gynecologic ultrasound and urogynecology.
He is the treasurer of the Hungarian Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2019. He is in charge of being an academic advisor for medical students at the University of Debrecen. He has organized a couple of courses in Hungary including the National Congress of the Hungarian Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology and an IOTA training course at Budapest in 2018.
He has been participating in nearly all ISUOG Congresses since 2010 and held a few presentations of which he was also awarded for.
Country: Hungary
Field: Gynecology; Imaging
Specialties: Gynecological ultrasonography, urogynecology
Languages: English; German, Italian
- Rumour by Jenő Rácz: A special restaurant with a unique chef table conception. The place was awarded with a Michelin star and offers a once in a lifetime culinary experience using local materials for the menu.
- Arany Kaviár Restaurant: Also a Michelin starred restaurant with warm, cosy atmosphere which offers special menus including caviar tasting
- Essencia by Tiago and Eva: A nice place in the heart of Budapest near St. Stephens Basilica. Run by a Portuguese-Hungarian couple offering fusion dishes with some specialties and signature dishes. Their octopus (favourite ingredient of the chef) is must try dish!
- Favourite restaurant: "Két Szerecsen" bisztró - Nagymező street 14. Quality food, great athmosphere, near to Opera and the World Heritage Andrássy street.
- Favourite thermal bath: Gellért thermal bath
- Favourite museum: Szépművészeti múzeum - Museum of Fine Arts
- Favourite park: Városliget - it has a great walk path and entertainment facilites. Located in the Museum disctrict (for example Magyar Zene Háza - Museum: House of Music, Hungary)
Dr Gergő Leipold completed his medical studies at Semmelweis University, Budapest. Throughout his years as a resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology fetal diagnosis turned out to be his main field of interest. He became research fellow at Harris Birthright Research Centre, completed his fellowship in Fetal Medicine with Prof. Nicolaides and received his Diploma in Fetal Medicine in 2018. After returning home he completed his training and became a Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2021. Dr Leipold is currently working as consultant at Semmelweis University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His main focus remains fetal diagnosis, management of pregnancies complicated by fetal abnormalities, fetal growth restriction, twin pregnancies and fetal therapy. He is a regular speaker of local training sessions in fetal ultrasound, member of the Hungarian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Hungarian Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Country: Hungary
Field: Obstetrics, Fetal Ultrasound, Fetal Medicine
Specialities: fetal anomaly screening, screening for aneuploidies, fetal growth and wellbeing, growth restriction, multiple pregnancies, fetal therapy
Languages: English, German, Hungarian
- Favourite restaurant: Pozsonyi Kisvendéglő (authentic Hungarian cuisine)
- Other recommended restaurants: Oda, Déryné, Kiflikék (all of them also offer a very nice breakfast menu)
- Favourite viewpoint: Gellért-hill - a lovely view of the river and city
Csaba Demendi graduated from Semmelweis University Medical School in Budapest, Hungary in 1998. He is specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology (2003), and Clinical Genetics (2011).
Since graduation, he has been working at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Semmelweis University, currently in the position of university assistant professor. Since 2008, he has been the head of several departments of the clinic, mainly in the field of obstetrics. He has been performing ultrasound diagnostics for more than 20 years. Since 2014 he is also the head of the Ultrasound Unit of the clinic. He did his PhD on genetic background of preterm birth in 2011. His clinical research focuses on the prevention of preterm birth and management of pregnancy complications. He is dedicated to ultrasound education for sonographers and residents.
Country: Hungary
Field: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prenatal diagnosis, Fetal medicine
Specialities: Fetal anomaly screening T1 & T2, Fetal growth and wellbeing, Maternal and Fetal Doppler, Preterm delivery
Languages: English, German, Hungarian
"These recommendations are collected from a book written by Pierre Vajda, one of the most respected Hungarian food critics and gourmets. None of them are tourist traps and all have high ratings. They represent different price levels and different styles and are grouped into three regions, Pest city center, Pest suburbs and Buda side."
Practical information
Currency: The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). While credit cards are widely accepted, it's advisable to have some cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets.
Language: Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language. While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Hungarian phrases can be helpful and appreciated.
Transportation: Budapest has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro. Taxis are available, but it's advisable to use reputable companies or rideshare apps. Validate your ticket when using public transportation.
Safety: Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112.
Electrical Outlets: Hungary uses the Europlug (Type C) and the Schuko (Type F) electrical outlets. If your electrical items use a different type of plug, don’t forget to bring an adapter.
Time Zone: Hungary is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, UTC+1. At the time of the Congress, it will be in the Central European Summer Time (CEST) zone, UTC+2.
Tipping: Tipping is customary, and it's common to leave around 10% in restaurants. In taxis, rounding up the fare is usual.
Wi-Fi: Most hotels, cafes, and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi. Consider getting a local SIM card for data if you plan to use your phone extensively.
Interesting facts
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Hungary is the birthplace of the Rubik's Cube, invented by architect Ernő Rubik in 1974. Originally called the "Magic Cube," it became a global sensation, challenging minds worldwide.
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Hungary's rich and flavorful cuisine is renowned for its use of paprika. From mild to hot varieties, paprika is a symbol of Hungarian culinary identity, prominently featured in dishes like the famous goulash.
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Hungary has produced a remarkable number of Nobel laureates, including physicist Albert Szent-Györgyi, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1937 for discovering Vitamin C.
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Budapest is home to the second oldest electrically operated underground railway system globally. The "Millennium Underground," Line 1, has been in operation since 1896.
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The Hungarian language, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family, is distinct with 44 letters in its alphabet. Characters like "ő" and "ű" make it a fascinating linguistic anomaly in Europe.
Running routes
Are you passionate about running? Are you eager to fit in some sightseeing while in Budapest for the 2024 ISUOG World Congress? Take a look at our recommended running routes and locations below for the perfect way to explore the city on a tight schedule.
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This scenic island located in the middle of the Danube River offers the perfect environment for running.
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The 5.3km rubberized running track encircles the island, passing by lush greenery, historical monuments, and recreational facilities.
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Enjoy stunning views of the river and Budapest's landmarks while getting your workout in.
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Explore Budapest's largest park while jogging along designated paths that wind through landscaped gardens, lakes, and historical monuments.
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Run past attractions like Vajdahunyad Castle, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, and the Budapest Zoo, immersing yourself in both nature and culture.
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With numerous routes to choose from, incluing a 2000m running track, you can customize your run based on distance and points of interest.
The ISUOG World Congress is supported by:
