Pécs was selected to be the European Capital of Culture in 2010 together with Essen in Germany and Istambul in Turkey. As “an ancient seat of learning,” Pécs is home to approximately 160,000 people. This city is rich in knowledge, history and culture and has a superb Mediterranean-like climate. The local city center, with its ancient Christian remains from the Roman years, was made a World Heritage Site in 2000 by UNESCO.
The first Hungarian University was established in 1367, here, in beautiful Pécs. A visit to this awesome city will amaze you on its diverse collection of monuments and buildings from the Ottoman Empire.
The weather in Pécs is quite similar to other European countries. The coldest month is January (-10 Celsius to +4 Celsius) and the hottest month is July (27 Celsius to 32 Celsius). By the way, the people here are also very friendly and warm.
While you are here, there are three essential ‘must haves’ that will surely guarantee you will have a remarkable time - a camera, city map and ‘high spirits.’
Language
Hungarian is a tough language. You'll experience this once in Pécs, but can practise with the help of these Useful terms and phrases!
Though there are no underground trains or trams, the buses here run efficient line routes throughout the city. The cost of a one-way journey ticket is approx. 75 EuroCents (185 HUF) (1 Euro or 240 HUF when you purchase tickets on the bus). Weekly tickets are approx. 9.5 Euro (2,385 HUF)
An alternative to the buses are the local taxis. Your cheapest choice would be Pannon Volán Taxi. (72 333 333) Another alternative is Euro Taxi. (72 777 777)
Car rentals are available in the city, and their services are provided with maximum satisfaction. Requirements are: (basically) a Passport, a valid Driver’s License and a refundable deposit. Oh, and don't forget parking fees.
Car rental campanies in Pécs:
Budget Rent a Car
Pécs, Hengermalom u. 4.
Tel: (72) 434 000
Fax: (72) 222 020
Charter
Pécs, Kassa u. 21.
Tel: (72) 224 422
Mobile: 30 390 5882, 30 929 8876
If you are here on business or pleasure, the wide range selection of hotel accommodation and dormitory rooms is promised to provide you with the comfort and relaxation you well deserve. Situated in the heart of town, Palatinus Hotel (3-Star) is highly favoured due to its location.
Education
The educational standard of Pécs has been rising since 1367. The University of Pécs has ten prestigious faculties situated around the city.
Faculty of Law
Medical School
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Adult Education and Human Resources Development
Illyés Gyula Faculty of Education
Faculty of Business and Economics
Faculty of Music and Visual Arts
Pollack Mihály Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Sciences
All the Faculties maintain strong International Relations with other foreign partner Universities, within and outside Europe. Such programmes include TEMPUS, ERASMUS, CEEPUS and others, which have opened doors to bilateral interaction and cooperation. Hungarian exchange students have also benefitted from such experiences abroad.
English programmes are available at the Medical School, Faculty of Business and Economics and Faculty of Humanities. The International Studies Center (ISC) also provides Hungarian Language Courses.
The International Relations also extends to the Teaching Staff. The University has records of Fulbright Professors from the United States of America, and other teaching staff from from Europe.
The average number of years of study is five and life is relatively cheap and affordable.
Entertainment
Pécs is famous for its museums, theatres (and puppet-shows), cinemas, galleries, and artistic festivals. If you have a passion for sightseeing and art appreciation, the numerous structures and galleries available are expected to fascinate you and leave you spell bound with their rare and elegant collections.
If you are more interested in the cinema or shopping, you are in for a wonderful time. The Pécs Plaza is proud of its 10-screen Cinema City, where many of the films are spoken in English with Hungarian (Magyar) subtitles. Hop on bus #1 or #M55 and get off at the flea market! If you are more into art films go to the Uránia Movie Theatre or Apolló Art Movie Theatre. Both located in the city centre, Uránia is just a step away from the most well-known pita-restaurant, Flekken and Apolló is right behind the National Theatre.
The newly built shopping mall, Árkád is equipped with up to-date facilities for relaxation, personal care and entertainment. It houses many stores just like home! If you get hungary in Árkád check out the food court!
The night life here, whether in bars or discotheques provide a wide range of music from contemporary, to rock, hip-hop, jazz, techno and many more. Or try some Hungarian folk dances with the Tanac Group!
To anyone passionate about foreign cuisine, get ready to tickle your taste buds as you savour the many dishes of Hungary. Popular local soups are 'Gulyásleves' (goulash), or ‘Halászlé’ (fish soup).
There are many restaurants, cafés and bars situated in and around the city center. For regional cuisines, there are Mexican, Italian and Chinese restaurants.
Some bars offer in house entertainment, such as karaoke and games. There is also a wide variety of cafés, which serve numerous types of coffee. Morik Café (6 Jókai Square) and Semiramis (33 Király Street – past National Theatre) for instance serve various types of coffee! Tea lovers will enjoy Teatár (9 Teréz Street– not far from the main Post Office) with its wide assortment of tea tastes and tea cocktails in a fine and relaxing environment.
The bakery is an important aspect of diet for the locals. Pécs is known for its exquisite and highly delicious baked foods... It’s just a sniff away!
Tesco, Interspar and Metro (Metro card is necessary when your purchase things there) are highly recommended department stores for your basic needs.
Work our & relax
Hungary is highly acclaimed for its international status in the sporting scene. Pécs has its contribution to that reputation. Its’ Women’s Basketball team is among Europeans finest, and their performance level is excellent. Little wonder why it has so many sporting facilities with high class equipments in various gyms.
Chilling out
If you are not interested in ‘sweating it out’, the village of Harkány is known for its Thermal Spa. Regular coaches (every 20-30mins) commute from the main coach station in Pécs. While there, one can also visit the historical fortresses of Siklós and Pécsvárad.
As it is generally known that wine is good for the heart, Villány, the vine region is definitely an essential place to visit!
Heavenly places
Hungarians are spiritually grounded in their Christian faith. The majority of the citizens are Catholic, followed by Protestants. The Cathedral is famous for its Organ Concerts and its doors are open to the general public.
Many Churches are located in the city, as well as Synagogues and Mosques. Situated on Kossuth tér (Kossuth Square) is the main Synagogue and in the Széchenyi tér is the central Mosque, open for prayers on Fridays and during religious seasons. It also houses a museum!
In the know
For a list of general information about service providers and useful information, the following will provide some assistance.
Post office
The Post Offices are usually open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The central Post Office (10 Jókai Street) is open until 7:00 p.m., and closes on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. There is the Office in Pécs Plaza open until 8:00 p.m.
Banking
Most Banks open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There are also many ATM machines around. Frequently accepted cards are: Eurocard, Mastercard, Cirrus, Maestro, and Visa Electronic.
Many stores also accept cards. Symbols will be shown on doors or windows.
Telecommunications
Country code: 36
Area code for Pécs: 72
For local calls, dial the 6-digit phone number, for Budapest calls and cell phones there are 7 digit numbers.
What better way to keep in contact with family and business! You can find their stores all over the city.
Libraries
There are numerous public libraries and bookstores, which deal with Hungarian and foreign literature. Their catalogue range from all spheres of life and and knowledge.
Baranya County library (8 Apáca Street)
American Corner (9 Mária Street)
Central Library of the University of Pécs (1-3 Szepesy Ignác Street – right over Széchenyi Square)
Humanities Department Library (6 Ifjúság Street)
English-German Faculty Library (6 Ifjúság Street) European Documentation Centre (80 Rákóczi Street)
Foreign newspapers and magazines are also available in newsstands and selected stores. Dunántúli Napló has a wide selection of such foreign print from the United States of America, United Kingdom, East-Central Europe and Far-East Asia. It is located in the heart of the city on Ferencesek Street.
Others
There is a Tourist Information building in Széchenyi tér. Feel free to stop by for further information about travelling in and around Pécs-or Hungary. Local information (Hotels, entertainment etc.) can also be provided.
Internet cafes are everywhere. Just look out for their signs. Many offer in house refreshments while surfing the net. Connection is fast and service is reliable.
For all your personal electrical appliances and gadgets, continental Europe uses the same voltage, and the sockets are the same. People coming from the United States of America, United Kingdom (and some other places) are advised to bring adaptors to prevent unforeseen discomfort.
Please visit the following for information about other services:
Hungarians are well known for their scientific excellence and theoretical mastery. It is no wonder that there are many famous people of Hungarian heritage....take for instance, William Fox, born Vilmos Fried, he was the founder FOX Studios. The legendary blockbuster Casablanca was directed by a Hungarian Oscar-winning director, Michael Curtiz. Ever wondered about the greatest illusionist ever - Harry Houdini? Well, he was born in Budapest! Another Hungarian born talent, who has filled our homes with laughter, is Gábor Csupó, owner of Klasky-Csupo Independent Animation Studio. Home of the Rugrats and Simpsons!!
Services of the American Corner
We help Americans, both professionals and tourists, interested in the region to create contacts, arrange meetings, and find accommodation in Pécs and in the region.
For further information on staying in Hungary please check the website of the U.S. Embassy in Budapest.
Written by AYOKUNNU ADEYEMI-DORO & PETER FILAK, trainees at the American Corner and students at the University of Pécs.
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There is a Tourist Information building in Széchenyi tér. Feel free to stop by for further information about travelling in and around Pécs-or Hungary. Local information (Hotels, entertainment etc.) can also be provided..jpeg)