Popularly considered one of Europe’s most outstanding capital cities, Budapest is a destination that few forget in a hurry. It offers culturally and historically rich sights, soothing thermal baths, wonderful local cuisine and a laid-back ambience that few cities can match. The city is actually comprised of two fairly distinct sections: one known as Buda and the other as Pest.
Budapest offers numerous fine buildings, among which are the Royal Palace, the 700-year-old gothic St Matthias Church and a variety of structures in the medieval old town, located in the walled castle district in Buda.
Culture continues the themes at venues such as the Hungarian National Gallery and Library, the Zsigmond Kun Folk Art Museum and the Varga Imre Gyüjtemény gallery. A mix of history and cultural heritage is on offer at the impressive Budapest Historical Museum. For an authentic cultural entertainment experience, visitors should certainly check out the Marczibányi Square Cultural House or the FMH Cultural House where Hungarian dancing and folk music are top of the agenda.
Highlights
Budapest Zoo (Állatkert): part of the city since 1866, the city’s zoo is okay to see if you have nothing else to do; however, it’s a long way from newer and more modern facilities of this nature in terms of the enclosures of the animals and the level of humanity the ‘inmates’ are afforded.
Budapest Historical Museum: offers a sound insight and introduction to the city’s colorful past and the legacies that live on here today.
Children’s Railroad: operated by children (under adult supervision) for the enjoyment of children, this old-fashioned railroad winds its way across a 25-mile route through the Buda hills.
Pólus Center: a decent-sized ice-skating rink can be found within this well-known shopping mall. Along with gliding on the ice, you can pick up some good bargains and a bite to eat.
Hungarian State Opera House: not only the setting for performances by the State Opera and the State Ballet, this magnificent building is an attraction in its own right with its fine exterior features and lavish interior décor.