Budapest sits on either side of the River Danube, in the geographical centre of Europe. Its grand architecture and chequered history make it a Mecca for serious sightseers, whilst its café culture and cosmopolitan attitude make it a good place for those with other priorities. It may not be the most obvious choice for a weekend break but it is a beautiful city full of surprises. An arts and music festival is held throughout the summer.
A visit to Castle Hill, which overlooks the city centre, gives an insight into the architecture that has been described as eclectic. There have been settlements here for a couple of thousand years, but because every century practically the entire city has been destroyed and rebuilt again, everywhere you look there`s a hotchpotch of style and architecture.
You don`t have to know your neo-gothic from your art deco to appreciate the variety and beauty of the buildings. The Fisherman`s Bastion looks medieval but, like so much of the modern city, was only built in the last century. You can get a great view overlooking the river and city from here. Don’t forget to visit the National Gallery and the Hero Square.
A stone`s throw away is the House of Hungarian Wine. For around £7 you get a glass and a map and the opportunity to try 70 different wines. There are almost 3000 different wines made in Hungary, but the one they`re most proud of is a dessert wine called Tokaj.
If you mention food and Hungary, a lot of people automatically think of goulash. However, most of the restaurants in Budapest have a comprehensive menu that is very reasonably priced. And at the Belcanto restaurant the waiters sing as well as serve.
Shopping at Budapest`s imposing Central Market is quite an experience. Here they sell quite a few things you wouldn`t necessarily expect to find on a market stall - like Russian Caviar for about £8!
A boat trip up the Danube to Saint Margaret`s Island provides a welcome break from the bustle and heat of the city. One thing that you may not be prepared for is the heat - it can reach 35 degrees in the summer - when that happens, head for the dozen or so swimming pools around the city and chill out.
And no trip to Budapest is complete without a visit to one of its famous thermal baths. Budapest is one of Europe`s great spas and there are 123 natural hot springs in the city, offering every kind of treatment and pampering you can imagine. Most of the baths alternate between men and women and admission is about two pounds.
Budapest prides itself on the number of music festivals it hosts which run throughout the summer. One of the classical ones held at the Opera House is called Budafest - throughout this festival there are performances of opera, classical music and ballet.
Bureau Report
