The Complete Guide to a weekend in Budapest

Hungary Special feature

A stunning capital, with the green hills of Buda and urban Pest spilt by the Danube River, Budapest is a real gem. Despite its Soviet past, it is only today that signs of its relatively newly-found independence can be felt. Budapest has a dynamic nightlife, brims full of interesting architectural finds, lots of winding little streets to explore, and cellars full of wine to be tasted! The country is surrounded by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia and Croatia, placing it in Central Europe - keep this in mind if you don't want to offend the Hungarians, or 'Magyars', as they refer to themselves, do not see themselves as part of Eastern Europe. Budget-wise, expect to spend £45 per day (with food and accommodation) for small budgets and up to £250 per day for more expansive budgets. Often compared to Vienna, Budapest is an up and coming city with bags of things to see, do and taste. Free frm Soviet rule an dcommunism for only 21 years, the tired enthusiasm for rebuilding the city can still be felt in the atmosphere. Roads are being built all over the city, buildings are being renovated and cleaned bit by bit, bars and restaurants are popping up all over the place, as are shopping districts. Communism is at last slowly being diluted.

Contents

• 1

  Introducing Budapest

  
• 2

  A historical gem

  
• 3

  Buda and Obuda

  
• 4

  Pest

  
• 5

  Architecture and atmosphere

  
• 6

  Wining and dining

  
• 7

  A night out

  
• 8

  The Széchenyi hot springs

  
• 9

  The Budapest art scene

  
• 10

  Heritage - the beloved Queen 'Sissi'