Budapest Hungary

Photo credit: www.independent.co.uk

Budapest is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe. The capital of Hungary, it’s a city with a population just short of 2 million that generates more than 20 million visitors a year. It sits on the banks of the Danube River, and though it doesn’t offer traditionally summer types of attractions such as beaches, it’s known as a city of spas because of its numerous thermal springs, more than 100 in all.

Budapest is also at the top or near the top in multiple other categories. The thermal waters and cave system is the largest in the world. It has the second oldest rail system in the world with the Millennium Underground Railway. It’s ranked number one in Eastern Europe for quality of life, and number three as an emerging financial market. It has the second largest synagogue in the world, the Dohány Street Synagogue, and its Parliament Building is the third largest in the world.

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The first place to visit is the Castle District, which is a major historic area of the city. It was built back up in the 13th century after having been razed by the Mongol Invasion. Within the area is the Royal Castle, which is being rebuilt, and the Fisherman’s Bastion, from where you can get a panoramic view of the entire city.

There’s also the Church of our Lady, where the last two kings of Hungary were crowned. There are many statues in the area, such as the status of János Hunyadi, one of the kings of Hungary who was also a military leader that staved off an attack by Turkey in the 15th century, and museums, including the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Fine Arts.

With all the historic sites in Budapest, you might not think there’s anything new to see, but there is. You have the National Theater, which was completed in 2002. There’s the beautiful Palace of Arts, which sits on the banks of the Danube River and houses the National Philharmonic Orchestra. There’s Orco Palace, which is actually a major shopping mall in Vorosmarty Square. And, as a tribute to its significant Jewish population, there’s the Shoes on the Danube display that was set up in 2005, with 60 pairs of metal shoes set in concrete.

A mix of old and new, Budapest is definitely a prime vacation spot for anyone looking to glean a lot from European history.

See more:
Budapest Calendar of Events
Budapest Restaurant Reviews
A Quick Introduction to Budapest History