9 - Budapest, Hungary

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This site has the remains of monuments such as the Roman city of Aquincum and the Gothic castle of Buda, which have had a considerable influence on the architecture of various periods. It is one of the world's outstanding urban landscapes and illustrates the great periods in the history of the Hungarian capital. 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. To have a drink, there are several 'boutique' boats that have been transformed into floating bars, all along the Danube which make for a very pleasant experience. Nowhere else in the city, can you really appreciate old-time Budapest as when looking out to Buda and the King's palace and to Pest, boasting Europe's largest Parliament building, as when you are floating on the famed river. The sun sets, the colours change, the lanterns come on...a glass of Tokaj in hand and drift away in your thoughts as you watch the colours dance along the palace façade. You can also go to the Trendy Liszt Ferenc Square, or for party animals, head to Deak Square.

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