BUDAPEST – the Pearl of Danube     

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 is bisected by the River Danube, with the city as much a natural geographical centre as it is the country’s transport hub. Covering an area of two hundred square miles and divided into 23 administrative districts, it is home today to a population of 1.8 million people.

Budapest, the Pearl of Danube:Budapest 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 Pearl of the Danube. Budapest is truly one of the world’s most attractive cities, rich in both natural and architectural beauty.

It is no wonder that the Castle District, the River Danube embankments and the whole of Andrássy boulevard have been officially recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Budapest the Capital of Culture: The Budapest Spring Festival and the Budapest Autumn Festival are two major international music, theatre, film and art festivals. Grand opera and ballet are staged at the Opera House, whereas the Operetta Theatre is the place to see and hear the operettas and musicals of Lehár, Kálmán and Ábrahám. “The Phantom of the Opera” is on all the year round at the Madách Theatre, and foreign language productions, mostly English, are put on at the Merlin Theatre. Vibrant folk music and dancing shows are regularly held at the Buda Vigadó and Duna Palota Theatres.

Budapest, the City of Spa: One of the very special things about Budapest is the prevalence of thermal springs right in the centre of the city. There are 118 springs and boreholes altogether, supplying the city’s spas and baths with 15.4 million gallons of water daily ranging in temperature from 70 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit (21-78°C). The Széchenyi, the Gellért and the Rudas Bath are the most celebrated institutions among the visitors of Budapest.

Budapest is today a vibrant city offering historical palaces, churches and celebrated museums to it’s visitors with an atractive mix of modern art galleries, restaurants and great shopping possibilities.

The Buda Castle District, the Great Market Hall, the Basilica St Stephen, the Opera House and the Heroe’s Square are some of the absolut „musts“ during a trip to Budapest.

The city is ideal to be discovered during a 2 nights / 3 days trip, this time allows the visitors to discover and enjoy the city in it’s own beauty and get inspired by the fantastic gastronomic offers!