7 Fun Facts About Budapest You Probably Didn’t Know
Budapest should be on your travel list! This city is full of art, history, thermal pools, incredible markets, bars and restaurants which are waiting to be explored. We are bringing you the most interesting fun facts about Budapest which will make you want visit this city even more.
#1 Budapest Was Founded by The 3 Cities
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, was founded in 1873 by the merger of three cities: Buda, Óbuda and Pest. Today, Buda is usually associated with stately quarters and high class, Pest is where you will find the largest part of the population and so-called urban living. Buda and Pest are connected by the magnificent bridge of Széchenyi (known as the ‘Chain Bridge’).
#2 Budapest is The Thermal Bath Capital of The World
Underneath the city is a massive reserve of spring water that produces 70 million liters of thermal water a day which makes Budapest the richest city with the medical waters on the world. In Budapest you will find not only therapeutic spas, but also nighttime swim parties. The most beautiful spas you should visit are: Gellért, Rudas, Széchenyi, Lukács and Király.
#3 Hippos at The Budapest Zoo Are Bathing in The Thermal Waters
The water in the hippos’ pool in the Budapest Zoo comes from the spring of Széchenyi Thermal Bath. The artesian water has a beneficial effect on these hippos, as its composition is quite close to the river Nile’s waters.
#4 The Hungarian Language is Very Difficult to Learn
The Hungarian language is part of the Finno-Ugrian language family and it’s one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn. Here 3 “easy” words which you can learn for your next trip to the Budapest:
1. Hi -> Szia
2. Thanks -> Köszönöm
3. Cheers -> Egészségedre
#5 Budapest Has The Largest Synagogue in Europe
The Dohány Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue is one of the most impressive house of worship and a must-see attraction in Budapest. It has a mysterious interior, combination of Moorish, Byzantine, Romantic and even Gothic design features.
#6 Hungarian Names Are Regulated by The Law
Yes, in Hungary there is a naming law when it comes to choosing the name for the children! Name must come from a pre-approved list and any deviations must be approved by application to the Research Institute for Linguistics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. No Norths or Brooklyns there.
#7 Budapest Has The Oldest Underground in Continental Europe
The Budapest Millennium Underground line opened in 1896, making it the second oldest underground line in Europe (after the London Underground) but the first in continental Europe. Budapest underground system is also the only underground system in the world that is a UNESCO Site.
Budapest is actually a merger of two cities, Buda and Pest. Separated by the Danube River, they were joined together in 1873. Buda is known for its hills and historical sites, while Pest is renowned for its vibrant city life. Budapest is referred to as the "City of Baths" due to its abundance of thermal waters. It has more than 100 thermal springs, which supply the city's many bathhouses and spas, making it a popular destination for wellness and relaxation. Yes, Budapest was the first city in mainland Europe to have an underground railway system. The M1 line, known as the "Millennium Underground," was built in 1896. Yes, the famous Rubik's Cube was invented by Ernő Rubik, a Budapest-born architecture professor, in 1974. Indeed, Budapest is home to the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world, with a capacity to accommodate up to 3,000 people. Hungary, and by extension Budapest, is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. You can taste famous Hungarian wines such as Tokaji in the city's historic wine bars and shops. Budapest has a reputation for being one of Europe's most haunted cities, with many folklore tales of vampires, ghosts, and spirits adding to its mystique. The Chain Bridge, a symbol of Budapest, was the first permanent stone-bridge connecting Pest and Buda. At the time of its completion in 1849, it was regarded as a wonder of engineering. Hungarian, the official language of Hungary, is unlike any other European language. Its closest relatives are Finnish and Estonian, but it still holds significant differences from both. Budapest is the birthplace of numerous famous figures, including Hollywood film director Sir Alexander Korda, Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi (the discoverer of Vitamin C), and Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Joseph Pulitzer.Fun Facts About Budapest: FAQs
1. Is Budapest one city or two?
2. Why is Budapest known as the "City of Baths"?
3. Does Budapest have historical significance in railway development?
4. Was the Rubik's Cube invented in Budapest?
5. Does Budapest have a significant Jewish landmark?
6. Is Budapest known for any specific type of wine?
7. Is Budapest considered a haunted city?
8. What is the significance of the Chain Bridge in Budapest?
9. What makes the Hungarian language unique?
10. Who are some famous personalities born in Budapest?
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