The capital of Hungary, divided by the Danube into Buda (right bank) and Pest (left bank), is beautiful. Once upon a time, Budapest, along with Vienna, was the joint imperial capital of the Austro-Hungarian Hapsburg Empire. It is known as the Pearl of the Danube.
A couple of landmarks may look “English” to tourists stepping off Budapest flights. The Szechenyi Chain Bridge, which links Buda and Pest, resembles the Hammersmith Bridge (it was built by the same man, Adam Clark) and the Hungarian Parliament Building, all Gothic Revival with spiky spires, is modelled on the Houses of Parliament. Not only is it Hungary's largest building, it is where St Stephen’s Crown, symbol of Hungarian statehood for more than 1,000 years, is kept. Another part of Hungary's first Christian king, his right hand, is in St. Stephen's Basilica.
Its World Heritage sites include the banks of the Danube, Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue and Millennium Underground railway. Budapest (and Hungary), is known for thermal springs, many of them in baths and spas. The Szechenyi baths are the most famous, a glorious yellow confection with arches, columns and mosaics.
Search and compare: cheap flights to Budapest
