Some fall in love with the city at first sight, others are won over only after a longer period of discovery; but all must agree that Budapest is perhaps one of the the most beautiful cities in the world.

There are plenty of other capital cities built on the banks of a river, and in many cases the river runs through the historic centre. But such a wide and majestic river as is the Danube at Budapest makes it more of a rarity. Even more exceptional is the perfect contrast between the banks. Buda is built upon hills, the Castle Hill and Gellért Hill almost stand in the water. On the other side is Pest, as flat as a pancake (or, as a Hungarian might say, as flat as a "lángos", a pita-type bread popular here for many a century).

The riverside panorama has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Anybody who has ever seen it illuminated by night can understand why.
The capital city of Hungary, Budapest, was created out of the unification of the separate historic towns of Buda, Pest and Óbuda in 1873. Whilst the area had been inhabited from early times, it was from this date that the city’s expansion into a world capital really began.

Budapest with a population of 1.8 million people possesses a rich and fascinating history as well as a vibrant cultural heritage. Recognizing the unique value of its traditions it has managed to maintain its magic and charm, and is rightly known as the Queen of the Danube. It has also been called the City of Spas, as there are a dozen thermal bath complexes served by over a hundred natural thermal springs.
The transport system also has some interesting features. The first underground system of Europe has been connecting the downtown with the City Park for over 100 years. In the Buda hills you will find the world's third hill railway and a narrow-gauge forest railway operated by children.

The city’s monuments include 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatres, 400-year-old Turkish baths and unique Hungarian Art Nouveau buildings from the 19th century. The cityscape owes its uniform appearance to the elegant mansions erected in Eclectic style in the early 20th century. A look out at the panoramic view of the whole city from the Fishermen’s Bastion is an absolute must!
Lovers of culture are spoilt for choice with 237 monuments, 223 museums and galleries, 35 theatres, 90 cinemas, 2 opera houses and 12 concert halls. Around 200 excursion destinations offer a wide variety of things to do.
There is also plenty of night life with places full of bars, restaurants, casinos and intimate little cafés that appeal particularly to young people