Often described as the "Little Paris of Middle Europe", Budapest is famous not only for the monuments reflecting its own 1,000-year-old culture, but also for the relics of others who settled here. Remains from both Roman occupation and much later ruled by the Turks can still be seen in the city. After the Ottoman Empire the union with Austria has a particular influence on the city's form and style.

The capital has two sides, Buda and Pest, stretching along the banks of the Danube, representing two different characters of the city. Suburban Buda and its historic castle district offer medieval streets and houses, museums, caves and Roman ruins. The dynamic Pest side boasts the largest parliament building in Europe, riverside promenades, flea markets, bookstores, antique stores and café houses.

Budapest has a lot to offer. Museums and galleries, churches and synagogues, palaces and historic buildings, baths and pools are presented together with the influence of Secession in the city.

Soak in the Széchenyi Baths :

One of the last remnants of the Turkish influence in Hungary, a visit to the thermal baths is a quintessential Budapest experience. We haven’t visited all of the baths in Budapest, but we have been to several of the most famous Budapest baths and the grandiose Széchenyi Baths are by far our favorite. (Check out our comparison in Battle of the Budapest Famous Baths.) Early morning or just before sunset are our favorite times for a soak in the thermal, healing waters of Széchenyi’s outdoor pools.

Take a Danube River Cruise :

Budapest is beautiful by day, but absolutely stunning by night as the buildings lining the banks of the Danube twinkle and reflect on the dark waters. We’ve taken a Danube River sightseeing cruise twice, both times at night. One hour evening sightseeing cruises are available with audio headsets that give interesting facts about the history of Budapest, the buildings, and little known facts like that the Rubik’s Cube was invented by a Hungarian in Budapest in 1974. Longer and more romantic buffet-style dinner cruises are also available. We’ve done both and recommend both.