Experience historic Budapest: A guide for business travelers

Vibrant energy, culture, history... Just a few words that perfectly describe the Hungarian capital! The rich history is evident in the 150-year-old city. The combination of stunning sights and many business opportunities, makes it a perfect destination for business travelers. The city consists of two parts; Buda and Pest. These are separated by the well-known Danube River. Buda is hilly with beautiful views and is characterized as the quiet part of town with the most attractions. Pest is a lot more commercial and lively. Here you will find a maze of streets with nice bars and squares. Many businesses are therefore located here. In this blog I, Business Travel Consultant Jeanine, give you tips to combine work and exploration during a business trip to Budapest!

Visit Budapest by plane or train

Flying to Budapest from Dutch cities such as Amsterdam and Eindhoven is fast and efficient: travel time is about 2.5 hours. Do you have the ability to factor in more travel time? Then consider taking the train! The city has a well-developed public transport system and can be reached from Amsterdam, for example. With a travel time of about 14 hours, enjoy the scenery and arrive in Budapest rested: ready for your business activities.

Make sure you have the right travel documents and check our UBI booking tool for the best connections. Have you found a suitable trip? Then of course we will be happy to book it for you!

Local transportation

Once in Budapest, you can easily navigate public transportation. Take streetcar line 2, one of the most beautiful streetcar lines in the world, or explore Europe's oldest subway line for a quick move around the city.

Accommodation and gastronomy

Regardless of your budget, Budapest offers a wide range of accommodations. Take advantage of the lower prices at the more luxurious business hotels during the calm summer months. Excellent options include Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa, the perfect location to combine work and leisure and Hotel Clark Budapest, with a unique design and a rooftop bar where you can relax with stunning views of the city after a busy day. For culinary experiences visit Hoppá Bistro for typical Hungarian cuisine during your business lunch or dinner or dine in style at Caviar & Bull Budapest For gastronomy at the highest level.

Photos source: Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa & Hotel Clark Budapest

Doing business in Hungary: Tips & tricks

• Invest in trust: Doing business in Hungary does not necessarily require building a long-term relationship, but trust is important. Hungarians value personal contact over just digital contact. A good greeting and eye contact can already build a lot of trust.
• Be aware of the hierarchy within Hungarian companies: decisions are often made at the highest level, and employees usually accept these decisions without dissent. Respect this structure to work together effectively.
• Lunch or dinner is an important part of business culture in Hungary: Do not start eating until the host or hostess begins, and keep the conversation informal. Avoid sensitive topics such as politics or personal matters.
• Adjust your communication style: Unlike the directness we Dutch are used to, Hungarians are often less direct and less outspoken. An adapted communication style helps build smooth relationships.
• Choose an appropriate corporate gift: Think carefully about the gift and do not give even numbers, this is considered bad luck. Keep in mind that Hungarians are proud of their own wine, so leave the foreign wines in the cupboard!
• Dress formally: For men, this means a dark suit with a white shirt, and for women a neat dress or jumpsuit. A formal dress code is highly valued in Hungary.

Leisure time in Budapest

Do you have some free time to spare during your business trip in this vibrant city? Then be sure not to miss the following attractions!

• Are you a history buff? Then don't skip the Great Synagogue in the Erzsébetváros neighborhood. This area is also home to the Jewish Historical Museum where you can discover more about Jewish history in Hungary.
• Also visit the Fishermen's Bastion along with the Mathias Church, which served as a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. Enjoy the beautiful view of the city.
• Relax in a traditional bath house. Budapest is rich in thermal springs hidden under the city. Particularly popular with locals, the Szechenyi Baths offer water with a constant temperature of 34 degrees. The bathhouse is open daily from 06:00 to 22:00, ideal for relaxing before or after your business appointments.
• Make time to visit Europe's largest parliament building. Its Gothic style makes it an impressive structure to behold. An extra tip: view the building at night when it is lit up for extra atmosphere! Don't forget to book your visit online in advance.

Ready to plan your business trip to Budapest? Get in touch with us for a seamless business travel experience full of professional and cultural enrichment.

Travel Well!

Jeanine Koster
Business Travel Consultant