Travel Budapest Guide
Known as the "Paris of Central Europe", Budapest is a beautiful and culturally rich Capital city which has long been overlooked by the world. A fascinating blend of old-world Eastern tradition and new world luxuries; Budapest is truly unique. Sitting on either side of the Danube, Budapest's dome, spires and even high-rises find their reflections sandwiched between ornate bridges and party boats. Come for the history; the ancient untouched buildings and the majestic skyline; stay for the friendly faces and all-night parties and return for the relaxing spa treatments and peaceful promenades.
Budapest is home to Turkish baths formed by natural underground hot springs, old and interesting architecture and cozy, medieval-style restaurants and beer houses. Budapest is sunny nearly year round, and while summer is a great time to visit, Budapest can also be fun and interesting in the spring and fall when the locals come out to play at the Opera House, the Franz Liszt Music Academy and the National Theatre. In addition to these traditional and classical pursuits, Budapest is well known for its nightlife and high quality restaurants.
Budapest is broken into two halves by the Danube, Buda and Pest. Buda, on one side of the river, is the smaller and perhaps more picturesque half of the city. On this side a castle sits atop a green hill veined by narrow cobblestone streets and stairways. Atop this hill one is afforded a view of the stunning parliament building on the Pest side, which is home to scenic, tree-lined boulevards, Heroes Square and the Basilica; as well as Budapest's upper-end hotels, restaurants and shopping districts.
Budapest's most recognizable monument is the Chain Bridge. Nine bridges cross over from Buda to Pest and the Chain Bridge was the first. Beautiful and ornate, this bridge is adorned by golden statues and lit with purple lights at night which reflect on the river for an ideal photo opportunity. The road from the chain bridge takes you up the hill to the Castle, the Hungarian National Gallery and the National Szechenyi library.
Evidence of Communist rule can be found in Budapest's block buildings; the Turkish baths reveal Budapest's history of Ottoman rule and the Habsburg domination is responsible for the city's castle district. With this diversity of beauties; Budapest is like no other city in the world. A trip to Budapest will not be soon forgotten.