Budapest Guide
Getting around
Driving
All things considered, driving in Budapest can't be recommended. Road manners are nonexistent, parking spaces are scarce and traffic jams are frequent, while the Pest side of the Lánchíd (Chain Bridge) and the roundabout before the tunnel under the Vár are notorious for collisions – and careering trams, bumpy cobbles, swerving lane markings and unexpected one-way systems make things worse. In addition, access to the Castle District and parts of the Belváros are strictly limited.
If you do decide to take the plunge, there are a few rules of the road to bear in mind. Under the Hungarian Highway Code, you must give way to cars on your right if there are no road markings to indicate otherwise; and at night, many traffic lights go into flashing orange mode, which means that priority is given to the right. The rules on drink-driving are very strict – do not consume any alcohol before getting behind the wheel. It's illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. The speed limit in built-up areas is 50kph (30mph), and 90kph (60mph) outside built-up areas. On main roads, it's 110kph (68mph), and on motorways 130kph (80mph).
In terms of parking, you might be better off leaving your car outside the centre and using public transport to travel in – there are park and ride facilities at most metro termini. If you must park in the centre, the best option are the underground car parks in Szent István tér by the Basilica and underneath Szabadsag tér, both in Lipótváros. Parking on the street in the central districts costs 120–440Ft – you get a ticket from the nearest machine.
Renting a car is easy provided you're 21 or older and hold a valid driving licence that's at least one year old. Rental costs are not particularly cheap – expect to pay around €100 upwards for a day's hire (unlimited mileage) and at least €260 per week. When checking prices make sure the price quoted includes the 20 percent ÁFA (VAT). You'll usually have to leave a deposit by way of a credit card imprint. Before signing, check on mileage limits and any other restrictions or extras, as well as what you're liable for in the event of an accident.
City tours
If you're hard-pressed for time, you might appreciate a two- to three-hour city bus tour. These generally take you past the Parliament, along Andrássy út, across to the Várhegy and up to Gellért-hegy for panoramic photo opportunities. Of the many on offer, Ibusz runs three-hour trips for 6000Ft, and for 9200Ft will add on a visit to the Parliament building; tickets are sold at V, Ferenciek tere 10, in the centre (or online 
www.ibusz.hu ). Buda Tours ( 
1/374-7070, www.budatours.hu ) has a two-hour tour for 4000Ft, and in summer uses open-top buses; you buy tickets at VI, Andrássy út 2.
Most of Budapest's backstreets and historic quarters are eminently suited to walking, and this is much the best way to appreciate their character. Traffic is restricted in downtown Pest and around the Vár in Buda, and fairly light in the residential backstreets off the main boulevards, which are the nicest areas to wander around. For a range of walking tours, including some which take in less obvious attractions such as Communist Budapest or the city's bars, try the Discover Hungary offices – prices from 4000Ft for three and a half hour tours ( www.absolutetours.com ). The same office handles bike tours ( www.yellowzebrabikes.com ), and tours on the strange-looking two-wheel segway ( www.citysegwaytours.com ; you can also hire segways). All tours cost 4000–5000Ft – you need book ahead only for the segway trips.