You don't need to be in Budapest long to realise that you never know quite where you stand – and that's not because of the street layout. Everywhere you look, there is evidence of a city that has been brought to its knees – and restored to its former glory – time and time again. Even today, it is littered with Roman remains, Turkish baths and Gothic and Baroque architecture, as well as elaborate secessionist (Hungary’s take on Art Nouveau) facades. But visiting Budapest is not just about discovering the past, it is also an opportunity to witness a city building its own bright future.
The most obvious way to begin exploring Budapest's extraordinary diversity is to view it from the Citadella on Gellért Hill, or from between the turrets of the famous Fisherman's Bastion in Buda's eclectic Castle District. A boat trip, a stroll or a ride on the number 2 tram along the embankment on the Pest side of the Danube is a great way to admire the hills of Buda and the giant Parliament building. Further exploration of the wealth of fascinating architecture in the hustle and bustle of Pest is also a must.Then it's on to the real sightseeing. Must-see landmarks include Europe's largest Synagogue, the Szent István Basilica and the Buda Royal Palace – not to mention the Széchenyi Lánchíd (Chain Bridge) and the dramatic statue of St Gellért, perched above Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge). The long walk down the majestic Andrássy út ends at Hősök tere (Heroes' Square), an extravagant monument to Hungary's key historical figures, and Városliget (City Park), which boasts a host of attractions of its own.
Budapest is not just a city of stunning buildings – many of its museums serve to highlight a history that is proud and unfortunate in equal measure. The imposing National Museum is impossible to miss, and the chilling House of Terror – the building used by both the Nazi and Communist secret police – is impossible to ignore.
The city is also packed with clubs, concert venues and festivals for music of every possible genre – For 28 years now the Budapest Spring Festival has been Hungary's biggest cultural festival. The series of events is of international significance, too. It is noted in all countries; travel agencies receive the planned programme months in advance. In the last two weeks of March around 200 events await Hungarian and foreign tourists in 50-60 venues in Budapest. Besides classical and pop music concerts, there are theatre performances, film screenings, open-air programmes and other festival-type events.
And not far from the traffic and noise of downtown Pest, Margitsziget (Margaret Island) is a hub for outdoor activities, and the tranquil hills of Buda are a haven for cyclists, walkers and families. And who could forget the relaxing and healing properties of the city's spas.
Gastronomy and wine
Typical Hungarian foodstuffs are salami (including the ubiquitous Pick brand from Szeged), paprika (used in all Hungary's classic dishes - such as goulash - and available in a range of strengths from mild to spicy) and goose liver.
Hungarian wine has been acclaimed globally for many centuries. There are 22 wine regions in Hungary, and - in addition to restaurants and bars - you can take a taste in wine cellars, wine museums or at the wineyards themselves. Look out for Tokaj Aszú, which Louis XIV famously declared to be the 'king of wines, wine of kings'.
Pálinka - fiery fruit brandy - is one of Hungary's national treasures. Pálinka is distilled from 100% fruit - without the addition of any alcohol or artificial flavourings. It can be sipped either as a warming winter aperitif or as a spicy summer slurp!
Take a table in a pretty spot and lose yourself in some delicious food. Hungary's cuisine will tantalise your tastebuds - and the flavoursome memories will make you drool for years to come.
