Budapest / Hungary

In the northern part of Hungary, on the Danube River, lies the country's capital and largest city, Budapest. Often nicknamed – and rightly so – the Pearl of the Danube, the city is home to about 1.7 million inhabitants.

In the 3rd century, Budapest was a Celtic settlement known as Aquincum, later becoming the Roman capital of Pannonia. The Hungarians arrived in the area in the 9th century, and by the 15th century, Budapest had become one of the important centers of Renaissance humanist culture. After the Battle of Mohács and the end of Ottoman rule, the city prospered, and in 1873 its parts Buda and Óbuda on the western bank of the river were united with Pest on the eastern bank. Important milestones for the city were the Battle of Budapest in 1945 and the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. Today, one of Europe's most beautiful cities is a popular stop for cruise ships on European river cruises.

Budapest boasts a beautiful historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors here can see the world-famous Hungarian Parliament, the largest building in the country – 268 meters long and 188 meters wide – and with its 96-meter dome, the tallest in the capital. The Gothic Revival-style building with nearly 700 rooms was completed in 1904 and today houses the government, royal jewels, and several areas open to the public.

The history of Buda Castle, the palace complex of Hungarian kings, dates back to the mid-13th century, but the current majestic Baroque palace was built in the mid-18th century. Here you can see exhibitions of the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. On Castle Hill, the seven towers of the Fisherman's Bastion from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries rise to the sky, right next to the beautiful Matthias Church from the second half of the 14th century.

An unforgettable sight is the beautifully lit Széchenyi Chain Bridge at night, opened in 1849 and connecting Buda with Pest across the Danube. Not only New York, but Budapest also has its Statue of Liberty: it is located on Gellért Hill and commemorates all those who sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom, and prosperity of the country.

Budapest is home to a number of museums and art galleries, among the most visited is the Museum of Fine Arts, which boasts a wide collection of more than 100,000 European artworks across the centuries. The beautiful neoclassical building from the first half of the 19th century houses the Hungarian National Museum, dedicated to the country's history, archaeology, and art, while the House of Terror focuses on the fascist and communist regimes.

Hungary is famous for its hot springs, and its capital is no exception: there are about eighty springs here, so anyone wanting to take a break from sightseeing has plenty of options. As for gastronomy, no one will go wrong with chicken paprikash (paprikás csirke), pork goulash (gulyás), or langos (lángos), washed down with a glass of Tokaji wine.

Places worth seeing

Országház – Admire the stunning building of one of the largest parliaments in the world, built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Budavári Palota – Explore the majestic residence of Hungarian kings, a Baroque palace rising to the sky right on the banks of the Danube.

Hősök tere – Don't miss Heroes' Square with the Museum of Fine Arts and the Millennium Monument, adorned with a statue of the Archangel Gabriel.

Andrássy út – Stroll along the beautiful boulevard lined with neo-Renaissance townhouses and palaces, interesting museums, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.

Dohány utcai Zsinagóga – Be enchanted by the synagogue on Dohány Street from the mid-19th century, the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world.

Széchenyi gyógyfürdő – Relax in Budapest's largest thermal baths, fed by two springs with temperatures over 70 degrees.

Szépművészeti Múzeum – Experience Budapest culturally at the Museum of Fine Arts with its 100,000-strong collection of European works across the centuries.