Hungary » Introduction of Budapest

The meaning of Budapest to Hungary is difficult to misjudge. More than two million people live in the capital one fifth of the population and everything converges here, roads and rail lines; air travel, industry, commerce and culture; opportunities, wealth and power. The city has a history of revolutions in 1849, 1918 and 1956, buildings, parks and avenues on a monumental scale and a status for pleasure-seeking and style. In short, Budapest is a city worthy of contrast with other great European capitals.

However, with its diverse and often embittered history, amazing architecture and rich cultural heritage, Budapest deserves its reputation as the 'Paris of Central Europe'. It has a complex individuality, somewhere between Western luxury and simple traditions. The city straddles a gentle curve in the Danube. It has broad avenues, leafy parks and elaborate bathhouses. It also has a turn of the century feel to it, for it was then, during the industrial boom.

Pest has historical treasures from its Habsburg and Jewish past, while, hilly Buda is a hikers heaven. Although Hungary joined the European Union in 2004, its capital retains an eastern air of mystery, with twisty old streets lined with beautiful architecture. The nightlife is buzzy, the classical music scene is inspiring and the thermal baths are cheap and plentiful. Every visitor to the Budapest walks along the River Danube. The liquid history flows below and stunning views welcome you at every turn. On the west bank is Buda, on the east Pest. Pests street layout features Habsburg-style ring roads, joined by important spokes