Budapest – The Eastern Gate to Central Europe

At first sight reminding of the tidy Vienna, with many similarities coming from their same imperial past, Budapest gathered its own individuality – an art gem blended with an impressive legacy from Mother Nature. The Danube River cut the city in two, creating two different worlds in Budapest, united by the Chain Bridge, a very photographed image – Buda, a land of castles and thermal baths, and Pesta, the place for a modern traveller.

A classic visit of the city should definitely start with Buda where you can browse to most of the historical Budapest attractions. Take the funicular to reach the old side of the city topping the Castle hill, and make sure you have your camera ready. If Budapest weather allows, you can strike photos of some of the best views in Europe, crowned by the panoramic Danube, streaked by the huge bridges, and guarded by the spectacular Budapest Parliament building, with its white laced structure. The Budai Var (Budapest Castle) domain is a charming and quiet place, embraced in an impressive aura of the long history of Budapest, today part of Unesco World Heritage. A great place to wander through cobbled paths, thinking about the past and present and photographing the lovely views.

There are some nice restaurants in the Old Town, although they tend to be quite pricey because of the location, and you can also buy nice souvenirs from here – colourful handmade embroidered tablecloths, sophisticated laces and dolls dressed in national costumes. Don’t miss an indulging break in one of the famous Budapest thermal baths in Buda, enjoyed by Romans as early as the 2nd century – the public baths of Gellert Hotel being by far the most popular.

When you step in Pesta, a whole new Budapest vibe will be revealed. Is here where all fashion brands and famous hotel chains battle for open gates for Budapest travel. Is here that you will mingle in the hustle and bustle of the celebrated Vaci Utca, a charming pedestrian street with open air cafes, terraces, souvenir and fashion shops, reminding of Mariahilferstrasse, its sibling in Vienna. Make sure you have forints with you, because the shops only accept Budapest currency. Is here that most of Budapest bars and clubs start the party every night. And it’s also here, in Pesta, where you can tempt your palate with the renown Hungarian gastronomy delights, at one of the many restaurants on Raday street.

When it comes about Budapest accommodation, this is probably the cheapest capital in Central Europe, and you can find a nice hotel or a comfy Budapest apartment quite close to the city centre, for a bargain price.

Lovely views, a strong glimpse of history, wellness at its best, great food and wine – Budapest travel is rapidly becoming a must for the visitors of Central Europe.

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