Budapest the picturesque capital of Hungary is a revelation to all those still harboring cold war images of Eastern Europe as austere, cold and unpleasant.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet block and its allies, many parts have undergone a total transformation and Budapest is in the vanguard of this movement.

The economic resurgence has brought about large scale change and the city, for the most part, has benefited from this. There is an air of affluence about the place with trendy new bars, cafes, restaurants and shops selling the latest products and high-end shops and eateries to cater for the newly moneyed citizens and tourists.

Budapest is literally a “tale of cities”. The city is divided in two, (Buda on one side and Pest on the other) by the great “River Danube”, immortalized in the Strauss waltz “ the Blue Danube”. Though when you see it, you may wonder whether along with his great musical gifts, came a touch of color blindness!

There is also, what is reputed to be one of the best transport systems in Europe. Budapest is providing clean, efficient and reliable travel by bus, train, underground or tram to all destinations in and around the city. It is possible to ask the locals for directions or the way to a good reasonably priced restaurant, but many of the older generation speak only Hungarian and maybe a little German. A far better bet is to ask someone in their 20’s or 30’s. They will be more likely to speak at least some English and probably be keen for a little practice too.

The older parts of the city by the banks of the river are the most beautiful and also the bridges themselves. Some of the buildings are illuminated at night and this makes for a wonderful spectacle and, with the right equipment, a great photo opportunity.

Budapest Must See:

·       The Hungarian national Museum: A wonderful building that houses a great collection of exhibits and artifacts covering mainly European history. There are also startling, but interesting artifacts, such as a display of skeletons, set in graves in the floor, carefully lit and covered with a glass top

·       The Fisherman's Bastion: This striking building is made up of seven towers. One for each of the Magyar tribes, that were supposed to have been the start of the Hungarian Nation. There are wonderful views to the parliament building and across the river.

·       The Statue Park: A collection of statues from the communist era. They provide an imposing spectacle in this park set on the outer part of the city including the Bela Kun memorial. There is a shuttle bus from Deak Ter that is good value, as it includes the entrance fee.

·       Opera House: Built in 1884 it has a very flamboyant almost renaissance style. There is a lot of decorative marble and wall paintings. The opera house stages some excellent and very reasonably priced productions that are well worth seeing.

·       The Castle District: A maze of streets based on the old medieval plan surrounding the Palace. There is a monument to the plague. It reminds one of the terrible devastation this disease brought throughout Europe during several epidemics in the Middle Ages. An interesting walk here is to stroll along the castle walls; there are also many good cafes around this part of town

·       Margaret Island: A very easily accessible, though still usually quiet area, popular with runners, you can also play tennis or go to the zoo. It is a great spot for a picnic, or a spot of sunbathing. A wonderful oasis in the center of town.

·       Ludwig Museum; This entire collection of modern art was donated by one man named, surprisingly Peter Ludwig. It has many excellent works by the likes of Picasso. It also contains a collection of pop art of the 60’s.

Budapest has a good cafe and club culture and there are many good venues for a night out. Especially in the center of town, which needn’t cost a fortune.

The city has a broad range of galleries, concerts and cultural activities and all the usual arts are well represented here.

Food is also reasonably priced and, although not as cheap as it used to be, still represents good value.

A good way to save money on transport is to buy a three-day pass; this also has the added convenience, of allowing you to hop on and of whatever mode of travel you want to. The climate is generally comfortable, but can be a little hot in summer.

And in any case, the city is at it’s most beautiful in the spring.

A holiday in Budapest can give you a range of historical, cultural and sightseeing opportunities and with a little careful planning it will be a trip to remember.

Other Places To Visit:
Paris

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