Budapest - the splendid Capital

The river Danube runs through the centre of Budapest, dividing it into two sections: the hills of Buda on the western bank and Pest on the east. The two sides are connected by nine bridges (two for railway traffic), the oldest one being the famous Chain Bridge that opened in 1849 - and this is only one of the amazing historical momuments that have made the Hungarian capital famous all over the world.

Heroes Square

Budapest Parliament

Budapest City Park

Budapest holds a front-ranking position among the most attractive cities of the world.
It successfully combines a centuries-old architectural and cultural heritage with the latest features of modern life; cherished historical memorials are steadily regaining their original forms (in line with available resources). Anyone who has just one day to spend on sightseeing around the capital needs a well-planned programme but it is worth to see anyhow.

In Budapest, every building, every tram-ride, every panoramic view, every coffee shop and every night out holds new surprises. The liveliest part of the city is not necessarily the city centre - it is worth visiting many parts of it. To stay in Budapest is not just about discovering the past, it is also an opportunity to witness a city building its own bright future. The best way to explore Budapest's  extraordinary diversity at first is to view the city from the Citadella on Gellért Hill, or from the Fisherman's Bastion in Buda's eclectic Castle District. The must-see is Europe's largest Synagogue, the Saint István Basilica and the Buda Royal Palace - not to mention the Chain Bridge and the dramatic statue of St Gellért, perched above Elizabeth Bridge. A beautiful view of the walk on Andrássy Street ends at the Heroes' Square an extravagant monument to Hungary's key historical figures and the City Park which boasts a host of attractions of its own.

Budapest is not just a city of stunning buildings, it is full of imposing museums that are impossible to miss. The National Museum and the House of Terror (a building used by both the Nazi and Communist secret police) is must not to ignore.

One of the endearing charms of Budapest is that the traffic and noise of downtown Pest quickly make way for leafy parks and forests. Margaret Island is a great place for outdoor activities, and the surrounding hills of Buda gives a heaven for cyclists and hikers.

The city is also packed with clubs, concerts and festivals, in the summer the Sziget Festival is the largest and loudest in Europe. If you want to treat your partner to something special, Budapest offers luxury accomodations that will not hit your wallet too hard. You can also indulge in a relaxing soak and massage in one of the city's many spas.

Not only summer is when you should come to Hungary's capital. Winter is a very special time in Budapest. The city is bedecked with Christmas decorations, which makes it more picturesque than ever. The biggest Christmas market you can find is at Vörösmarty Square, here you will find some beautiful traditional gifts, including folklore handicrafts, pottery, leather ware, Herend and Zsolnay porcelain, cut glass and Tokaji Aszu wine. The waft of freshly made sausages, cakes and mulled wine is also difficult to resist.

One of the highlight at winter is the New Year's Eve Ball in the State Opera House, where the guests are treated with fine food and wine and world-class concerts. February's Carnival season of balls sees Hungarians dressing up in elaborate costumes and partying the winter nights away. Those who prefer being outside on fresh air should get their skates on in the fairytale surroundings of Vajdahunyad Castle or take a snowy hike in the Buda hills. And when the cold gets too much there are plenty cosy cafés, bars and restaurants to escape to.