Szekesfehervar: The Crown Jewel of Hungary

• HelloSzia
  [see-ah]
• GoodbyeViszlát
  [vee-slaat]
• YesIgen
  [ee-gen]
• NoNem
  [nem]
• Please/You're welcomeKérem
  [keh-rem]
• Thank youKöszönöm
  [koe-suh-noem]
• Excuse me/SorryElnézést
  [el-neh-zayst]
• How are you?Hogy vagy?
  [hohj vahdj]
• Fine. And you?Jól vagyok. És te?
  [yohl vahdj-ohk. ays teh]
• Do you speak English?Beszélsz angolul?
  [be-saylss ahng-oh-lool]
• I don't understandNem értem
  [nem ayr-tem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSzeretnék látni az étlapot, kérem
  [seh-reh-tneik laht-nee ahs ayt-loh-pot, keh-rem]
• I don't eat meatNem eszem húst
  [nem es-em hoofst]
• Cheers!Egészségedre!
  [eh-geh-she-ged-reh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSzeretnék fizetni, kérem
  [seh-reh-tneik fee-zeht-nee, keh-rem]

• Help!Segítség!
  [she-geet-sayg]
• Go away!Menj el!
  [men yel]
• Call the Police!Hívj rendőrt!
  [heev rehn-durt]
• Call a doctor!Hívj orvost!
  [heev or-vosht]
• I'm lostElvesztem
  [el-vehs-tem]
• I'm illBeteg vagyok
  [be-tehg vahdj-ohk]

• I'd like to buy...Szeretnék vásárolni...
  [seh-reh-tneik vah-shah-rohl-nee]
• I'm just lookingCsak nézelődöm
  [chahk nay-zeh-loh-dohm]
• How much is it?Mennyibe kerül?
  [men-nyee-be keh-rool]
• That's too expensiveEz túl drága
  [ez tool draa-gah]
• Can you lower the price?Le tudnád engedni az árat?
  [leh too-dnahd eng-ed-nee ahs ah-raht]

• What time is it?Mennyi az idő?
  [men-yee ahs ee-doh]
• It's one o'clockEgy óra van
  [edj oh-rah vahn]
• Half past (10)Fél tizenegy van
  [feyl tee-zen-egy vahn]
• MorningReggel
  [reh-ggel]
• AfternoonDélelőtt
  [deh-leh-loht]
• EveningEste
  [es-teh]
• YesterdayTegnap
  [teg-nahp]
• TodayMa
  [mah]
• TomorrowHolnap
  [hol-nahp]
• 1Egy
  [edj]
• 2Kettő
  [keh-t-toh]
• 3Három
  [hah-rom]
• 4Négy
  [neydg]
• 5Öt
  [oht]
• 6Hat
  [haht]
• 7Hét
  [hayt]
• 8Nyolc
  [nyoltz]
• 9Kilenc
  [kee-lentz]
• 10Tíz
  [teedz]

• Where's a/the...?Hol van a...?
  [hol vahn ah]
• What's the address?Mi a cím?
  [mee ah cheem]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Meg tudnád mutatni (a térképen)?
  [meg too-dnahd moo-taht-nee ah tayrkay-pehn]
• When's the next (bus)?Mikor jön a következő (busz)?
  [mee-kor yern ah koe-vet-kay-zoh boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Egy jegyet (....-ra)
  [edj yeg-yet rah]

Székesfehérvár, one of Hungary's oldest cities, was founded in the late 10th century by Hungarian Grand Prince Géza. It quickly became a significant settlement and was chosen by his son, King Saint Stephen I, as the royal residence and the site for the coronation of Hungarian monarchs. The city’s name translates to 'white castle with a chair,' referring to the royal throne.

During the medieval period, Székesfehérvár was a prominent location for the Hungarian monarchy. Between the 11th and 16th centuries, 37 kings were crowned in the city’s Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, making it a central location for royal ceremonies. The basilica also served as the burial site for 15 Hungarian kings and several other members of the royal family.

In 1543, Székesfehérvár fell under Ottoman rule after a successful siege. The city remained under Ottoman control for nearly 150 years, during which time it experienced significant decline. Many of its churches were converted into mosques, and the once-thriving urban center faced depopulation and neglect.

Székesfehérvár was liberated from Ottoman rule in 1688 by the Habsburgs. This period saw the city slowly rebuild and regain some of its former prominence. The Habsburgs undertook efforts to restore the damaged infrastructure and revitalize Székesfehérvár, although it never fully returned to its medieval glory.

The 19th century was a period of modernization for Székesfehérvár. The city expanded with the construction of new buildings, schools, and public institutions. The arrival of the railway in 1860 significantly boosted Székesfehérvár’s economic development, transforming it into an important commercial hub.

During World War II, Székesfehérvár suffered extensive damage. The city was a strategic military target and witnessed several battles. Post-war reconstruction was a challenging period, but the city gradually recovered and began to modernize. Industrialization in the latter half of the 20th century led to significant urban development and economic growth.

Today, Székesfehérvár is a vibrant city blending historical heritage with modern amenities. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, museums, and cultural festivals. The city’s rich history is evident in its numerous historical landmarks, including the ruins of the medieval basilica, the Baroque-style Cathedral of St. Stephen, and the Bory Castle.

Székesfehérvár is conveniently located in central Hungary, approximately 65 kilometers southwest of Budapest. The most common way to reach Székesfehérvár is by train from Budapest's Déli Railway Station, with frequent services that take around 40-50 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive from Budapest via the M7 motorway, which takes about an hour. Long-distance buses also connect Székesfehérvár with other major Hungarian cities and some international destinations.

Székesfehérvár has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and taxis. The local bus network covers most parts of the city, with tickets available for purchase at kiosks or from the driver. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone or mobile apps. For those who prefer cycling, the city has several bike rental stations. Walking is also a pleasant way to explore the city's historic center.

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Székesfehérvár. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and currency exchange offices are available as well. While cards are common, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets.

Székesfehérvár is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific areas with high crime rates targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the general emergency number for police, fire, and medical services in Hungary. Székesfehérvár has a local police station and several medical facilities, including a hospital and pharmacies. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the season. Avoid overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and keeping noise levels down. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket upon boarding buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. A slight nod or bow can also be a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and wines. Don't leave a large tip, as a service charge is often included in the bill.

To experience Székesfehérvár like a local, visit the Fehérvár Market Hall for fresh produce and local specialties. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Bory Castle, which is a unique blend of art and architecture. Attend a local festival, such as the Királyi Napok (Royal Days), which offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture. Don't miss out on trying 'Lángos,' a popular Hungarian street food, available at various food stalls.