The Paris of the East

Budapest, aptly named and geographically divided, straddles the Danube River, with Buda to the west and Pest to the east. Buda boasts a hilltop castle and fortress, providing stunning panoramic views. On the other hand, Pest is home to the eclectic Jewish Quarter and the grandiose Gothic parliament building.

Historical Landmarks

Hungary's capital is dotted with reminders of its rich past, including the poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial, the charming Castle District, and the enlightening House of Terror museum. Explore the open-air ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter's abandoned buildings, with Szimplakert being the most famous. It has become a Budapest institution, offering unique seating options in cut-open cars or bathtubs, surrounded by graffiti-covered walls and stylishly eclectic furniture.

Taking a Dip

Beyond its picturesque riverside setting, Budapest is endowed with thermal springs. The mineral-rich waters feed the city's popular bathhouses, earning it the moniker "City of Spas." These bathhouses are architectural gems, ranging from the Art Deco Gellert Baths to the Ottoman-era Kiraly Baths and the distinctive canary-coloured Szechenyi.