About Budapest
WELCOME TO BUDAPEST – GUEST INFORMATION FOR THE ASAHI LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2026
We are pleased to welcome you to Budapest for the Asahi Leadership Conference 2026
Below you will find practical information to help you plan your stay, get around the city, and enjoy the event.
TIME ZONE
Hungary follows Central European Time (CET).
During March, Budapest is on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1.
Japan is 8 hours ahead of Budapest.
ELECTRICITY
AND ADAPTORS
Voltage: 230 Volts, 50 Hz (European standard)
Plug types: Type C and F (two round pins)
Most Japanese devices may require a voltage converter and a plug adapter.
Where to buy an adaptor:
- Media Markt – Westend City Center (near Nyugati railway station)
- Euronics – Aréna Mall
CURRENCY AND
MONEY EXCHANGE
Local currency: Hungarian forint (HUF)
Please note: The Euro and US Dollar are not accepted in most shops or restaurants.
Latest Exchange Rates (as of January 2026):
- 1 EUR ≈ 380 HUF
- 1 USD ≈ 320 HUF
- 1 JPY ≈ 2.1 HUF
Nearby exchange offices and ATMs:
- Exclusive Change, Deák Ferenc tér 5
- OTP Bank, Andrássy út 6
- Erste Bank, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 1
CREDIT CARDS
Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
CULTURAL AND LOCAL TIPS
- Use Hungarian forints only. Most places do not accept Euro or USD.
- Tipping: In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is customary if not already included in the bill.
- Tap water is drinkable in Budapest; restaurants often charge for bottled water.
- Beer and wine are generally cheaper than soft drinks.
- Language: English is widely spoken in central Budapest, especially in hotels and restaurants.
Safety and Emergency
Budapest is generally a very safe city for visitors. Still, please remain cautious with your belongings, especially in busy areas or on public transport.
In case of emergency, dial:
- 112 – General emergency (English-speaking operator)
- 107 – Police
- 104 – Ambulance
- 105 – Fire department
Nearest medical services:
- FirstMed Clinic, Hattyúház, Retek utca 5. – English-speaking doctors
- Dr. Rose Private Hospital, Széchenyi István tér 7/8.
Pharmacies nearby:
-
Teréz Patika (Teréz Pharmacy)
Address: Teréz körút 41, 1067 Budapest
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8:00–19:00, Sat 9:00–13:00
Approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
-
BENU Pharmacy Opera
Address: Hajós utca 9, 1065 Budapest
Conveniently located near the Opera House, 5–7 minutes from the hotel.
-
BENU Pharmacy
Address: Deák Ferenc tér 3
-
Szent István Pharmacy
Address: Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 33
Transportation and getting around
Public Transport:
Budapest has a reliable and clean system of metro, trams, and buses.
Tickets must be validated before travel. Use the BudapestGO app or the orange stamping
machines.
Where to buy tickets:
- Ticket vending machines
- Metro stations
- Hotel reception desks
Ticket prices:
- 30 min: 450 HUF
- 90 min: 750 HUF
- 24 hours: 2,500 HUF
- 72 hours: 5,500 HUF
- Weekly travelcard: 7,000 HUF
Taxi guidance:
We recommend not using taxis hailed on the street.
Use apps or official taxi companies
instead.
Reliable taxi companies:
- Főtaxi: +36 1 222 2222 – fotaxi.hu
- Bolt: app-based, fixed pricing
- 6x6 Taxi: +36 1 666 6666 – 6x6taxi.hu
- City Taxi: +36 1 211 1111 – citytaxi.hu
- Uber: app-based, fixed pricing
Travel tips
- Budapest is best enjoyed on foot; many sights are within walking distance of the hotel.
- Public transport is safe, easy to use, and inexpensive.
- Be aware of pickpockets on crowded trams and at tourist spots.
- Avoid unregistered taxis – always use apps or pre-arranged services.
Current weather
Top things to see in Budapest
Budapest is a truly beautiful city, full of stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and vibrant streets. If you're staying at the W Budapest, you're in a perfect location to explore some of the city's highlights all within walking distance. Here are a few must-see spots:
Traditional hungarian food recommendations
Gundel Restaurant
Location: Állatkerti út 22, 1146 Budapest
Recommended dishes: classic Hungarian dishes, e.g., goulash soup, Gundel pancake.
Paprika Vendéglő
Location: Dózsa György út 72, 1071 Budapest
Recommended dishes: Hungarian classics such as goulash soup or cigánypecsenye (Roma-style roasted meat).
Hungarikum Bistro
Location: Steindl Imre u. 13, 1051 Budapest
Recommended dishes: crispy duck leg with mashed potatoes and braised cabbage.
Nearby suggestions
Mediterranean-Hungarian bistro known for great breakfast and lunch options.
Price range: 7,000–14,000 HUF per person
Located in the heart of downtown Pest, this vibrant courtyard complex is filled with restaurants, bars, and galleries, buzzing with life both day and night.
Price range: 4,000–14,000 HUF per person
Mediterranean restaurant — A tropical dining oasis and a cozy event hall. Known for great breakfast and lunch options.
Price range: 5,000–14,000 HUF per person
Although an “étterem” (restaurant), this one doubles as a bar hangout in the evenings.
Price range: 5,000–14,000 HUF per person
Larger supermarket, open daily from early morning until late evening. (2 minutes’ walk)
A bar & billiards venue — ideal for a game of pool and a drink in the city centre.
On Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Avenue, known for its comfortable interior and selection of international beers.