Budapest, Capital of Hungary

Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in the world lavishly endowed both with natural and man-made architectural beauty. Its magnetic qualities attract travelers to its shores. It bustles – as it always did in the past – with activities, yet it is tranquil and relaxing. It is big and sprawling, yet it does not overwhelm you and make you feel lost.

In this historic city the tradition blends perfectly well with modernity. And above all, it is here that the Danube has been flowing majestically from ancient times with memories of those times when there was no city on its banks. A short tour of this enchanting metropolis will be truly rewarding.

The Danube now flows through the center of the modern city. It was relatively easy to cross the river here and the natural protection of the hill against invasion that prompted the Celts, the earliest known settlers, to build a town here a few centuries before Jesus Christ of born. The Celts were highly skilled and cultured and the quality of their life was fairly good as is evident from their decorated earthenware and minted coins. The Celtic town probably also was a trading center as coins from other countries were excavated from its soil. The Christian era began with the Roman occupation of this area.

Budapest was considered to be a big city 400 years ago, comparable with Vienna and Prague, although its population was then hardly 15,000. Other Balkan cities probably didn’t have more.

Being an old city Budapest has a number of historic sites that the travelers would love to explore. One such monument is the Castle Hill that rises about 60 meters above the Danube. Although there is a bus service, the best way to go there is on foot. Let us leisurely explore the sights that have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

At the time of the Mongol invasion the Pest portion of the town was built on the defenseless plain where the Inner City now stands. The invaders killed many inhabitants and burnt down the town. After the Mongols departed, a new city was built on the other side of the river protected by earlier ramparts on top of the low-rise limestone hill.

From the Fishermen’s Bastion in the Castle District you can get a panoramic view of the entire city. It is on the eastern side of the Castle Hill and you can go there from the center of the district. Its architecture, including its flight of stairs and turrets is a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque style.

The Parliament building with its majestic dome and spires dominates the Pest skyline. You can see the impressive dome of the Basilica from the Chain Bridge in Pest.

Although an ancient town, what we now see in Budapest was mostly built between the later half of the 19th and the early 20th centuries before the outbreak of the First World War.

Budapest has an active cultural life. Various types of performing arts and musical concerts are held practically everyday.

There are various types of hotels in Budapest ranging from luxury to budget and most of them offer attractive discounts. Browse through websites, negotiate discounts and book one that fancies you.

The tradition of Hungarian cuisine is basically of French origin and reaching here via Austria. You don’t have to travel very far to find a lively salsa bar or enjoy the laid back atmosphere of a Budapest jazz club.